Czech ambassador visits West, brings condolences to Czech Texans

The Czech ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Petr Gandalovic, toured the devastated town of West, Texas to pay his condolences today with Governor Rick Perry.

West is a small town known for it’s rich Czech heritage. The traditional kolaches sold at “Czech Stop” off the highway are seen by many passer-byes as a necessity when it comes to road trip snacks. The establishment served as an oasis a midst the tragedy, refusing to close its doors.

Roadfood.com. Michael Stern.

Martin Pizinger, spokesperson for Gandalovic, said the explosion has dominated headlines in the Czech Republic, and Gandalovic “would like to support the community in their time of sadness.”

Gandalovic has visited West before to see Honorary Consul General to the Czech Republic, Raymond Snokhaus, who lives in West. This trip, Gandalovic is said to have toured part of the aftermath with Perry this afternoon. Radio Prague reported that the Czech Republic will be sending aid to the town.